Veterans Affairs Services

The Office of Military and Veteran Services is here to meet the needs of Indiana University Northwest students who are veterans, service members, or children or spouses of disabled veterans. Students who wish to receive education benefits from the US Department of Veterans Affairs should contact the Office of the Registrar to process appropriate paperwork for the VA.

The following checklist and our staff are here to assist you in acquiring your Veterans Education benefits so you will get the maximum amount of aid for funding your education.

Checklist

1. Apply for Admission to Indiana University Northwest

Before you begin pursuing financial benefits, you’ll want to make sure you’ve applied to IU Northwest. The Office of Admissions site provides guidelines for applying. Your personal academic background and goals will determine which academic office is best for you. Contact the IU Northwest Office of Veteran Affairs Services if you need help making this decision.

2. Complete the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA)

The Free Application for Student Aid, or FAFSA, is a government-mandated form that determines your eligibility for low- or no-interest student loans as well as grants at the federal and state level. You’ll want to complete this form to ensure you receive all the aid for which you are eligible, even if you plan on using VA educational benefits. To be considered for the most potential aid, complete the FAFSA by March 1. Visit the FAFSA web site to fill out and submit the application.

3. Obtain Academic Transcripts from Previous Institutions

To earn transfer credit from coursework completed prior to attending IU Northwest, collect your transcripts from previous colleges and any military institutions that can be considered for IU credit. Provide copies of your military transcripts and your DD 214 discharge documents to the Office of Admissions for evaluation. You can use the following resources to get your military transcript:

4. Attend New Student Orientation

Orientation is a great opportunity for you to get better acclimated with the university and its policies. It is also an opportunity to gain a sense of the organizations and activities you’d like to be involved in as a student. If you are unable to attend an orientation session due to military commitments, please inform the Office of Admissions and the IU Northwest Office of Veteran Affairs Services. We will work with the orientation and advising staffs to set up a reasonable alternative to meet your needs.

5. Meet with an Academic Advisor before Enrolling in Courses

Meeting with an academic advisor early in the course scheduling process can save you a lot of time and energy and keep you from making mistakes. Advisors can help you plan a manageable course load that meets your specific academic needs. They can also assist you in ensuring that all the courses for which you will request VA educational benefits do apply to your degree plan. This is a Veterans Affairs requirement in order to receive benefits. Your initial meeting with an academic advisor will be part of your orientation program. Following this meeting, you will enroll in classes.

6. Apply for Veterans Affairs Benefits

There are many benefit programs available to veterans. Visit the official Veterans Affairs web site to go through a step-by-step process to get an idea of what benefits are best for you, or contact the IU Northwest Office of Veteran Affairs Services, and we can guide you through the process. You will need to complete one of the following forms online:

VA Form 22-1990: Initial Application for Education Benefits for military members or veterans (Chapters 30, 33, 1606, or 1607)

VA Form 22-5490: For children of disabled veterans applying initially for the Dependent Education Assistance Program (Chapter 35)

VA Form 22-1995: Change in Program/Place of Training for those who have used educational benefits at another institution

VA Form 22-5495: Change of Place of Training for those who have used Chapter 35 benefits at another institution

DD 214: If you’ve been discharged from active duty, you will need to provide your VA official with your DD 214. If you have a Notice of Basic Eligibility or College Fund/Kicker Contract from the National Guard or Reserves, be sure to submit a copy of these forms to Veterans Affairs Services as well.

There is usually an 8 to 12 week wait before you actually receive your benefits. Once they arrive, you’ll have to verify your enrollment monthly via phone at (877) 823-2378 or online at the Veterans Affairs web site. Be sure to contact your VA certifying official if you have any changes in your enrollment status.

This step lets us know to report your information to Veteran Affairs to complete the process. You will need to repeat this process each semester you want to receive benefits. It is important to note that your funding will not be released until this final step is completed. If you have questions, please contact the IU Northwest Office of Veteran Affairs Services.

Your finances are an important piece of the college puzzle. As a veteran, there are many factors that can affect the cost of your education and your eligibility for certain award programs.

Indiana Residency Status

Any questions or concerns regarding your Indiana residency status should be directed to the Registrar’s Office in Hawthorn Hall, Room 109. The Registrar determines residency status and can answer any of your questions or concerns. Contact the Office of the Registrar.

Changes in Financial Status

If your income level has significantly changed in comparison to the tax year information you reported on your FAFSA due to separation from the military or other factors, complete an appeal form with the Financial Aid Office to be considered for an increase in financial assistance.

Options for Benefits

A summary of benefit options is listed below. For complete details about each program, visit the Veteran Affairs web site. Before you apply for VA benefits, make sure you have completed the steps outlined in Getting Started.

Chapter 33, Post 9/11 Veterans Educational Benefit

The Post 9/11 Veterans Educational Benefit provides up to three years of educational benefits toward your IU degree or certificate program. Benefits are available to you for 15 years after ending active duty. Under this program, you are entitled to funds based on the length of time you were on active duty. Dependents may also use Chapter 33 benefits transferred to them by their sponsor.

Indiana University participates in the Yellow Ribbon program under the Post 9/11 Veterans Educational Benefit. This provides additional financial assistance to nonresident or graduate students whose costs are not fully covered by the Post 9/11 Veterans Educational Benefit. To qualify, you must be eligible for the Post 9/11 Veterans Educational Benefit at the 100 percent tier and have costs that exceed Veterans Affairs state maximums.

This program provides up to three years of educational benefits toward your IU degree or certificate program. Benefits are available to you for 10 years after ending active duty. You must have contributed $1,200 to the MGIB during your first year on active duty to be eligible.

Chapter 31, Disabled Veterans Qualified for Vocational Rehabilitation

In most cases, in order to receive Chapter 31 education benefits, you must receive monthly VA disability payments. Exceptions are made in some cases, however. This award will cover tuition, books, supplies, and other education-related expenses. Application is separate and distinct from the education benefit applications. Contact the IU Northwest Office of Veterans Affairs Services for further information.

Chapter 35, Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance

To receive funds toward your education under this program, you must be the son, daughter, or spouse of a deceased, disabled, or captive veteran. Limitations for receiving benefits vary with age and the circumstances surrounding the veteran’s discharge.

The Montgomery Veterans Educational Benefit—Selected Reserve benefits are available to members of the Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, Air Force Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve, Coast Guard Reserve, Army National Guard, or Air National Guard. Funding will be provided toward your IU degree or certificate program.

Chapter 1607 Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP) for Those Called to Active Duty under the National Call to Service Program

This education program provides up to three years of benefits for members of the Selected Reserves, Individual Ready Reserve, and National Guard who are placed on active duty because of war or other national emergencies.

Chapter 901, Educational Assistance Test Program

To be eligible for benefits under this program, you must have enlisted in the Air Force between December 1, 1980 and September 30, 1981 and meet all other military requirements including enlisting in specific Air Force specialties at select locations.

Verifying Enrollment

After obtaining your benefits under all chapters except Chapter 33, you will need to confirm your enrollment with Veterans Affairs each month by calling (877) 823-2378 or by reporting it online at the Veteran Affairs web site. You are also required to complete the Veteran Request for Enrollment Certification form each semester and submit it to our office.

Withdrawal from Classes

If you are called to active duty, specialized training, or to take part in disaster relief efforts, you may withdraw from all courses and receive a 100 percent refund of tuition and fees. With the permission of the instructor, you may receive an incomplete or a final grade in your courses. You must provide a copy of your orders to the IU Northwest Office of Veterans Affairs Services with a signed note requesting withdrawal. The Office of the Registrar's web page has the official university policy regarding students that are called to active duty.

There are significant differences between Chapter 30 and Chapter 33 benefits. You can switch from the Chapter 30 program to Chapter 33, but the change is permanent and should only be made after you understand the differing amounts of entitlement available under each program. For more information, call Veterans Affairs toll-free at 1-888-442-4551.

If all courses you are enrolled in meet for the entire semester and count toward your degree program, you need 12 undergraduate or 8 graduate credit hours to be considered full time by Veterans Affairs. Courses with a shortened duration may affect your benefits. If you are unsure about your status, please contact the IU Northwest Office of Veterans Affairs Services.

Indiana University Northwest Campus Health and Wellness Center

The IU Northwest Health Center is available to all students. The center provides high quality, affordable health care and works to promote a healthy campus through illness prevention education.

Counseling Services

The Counseling Center provides students access to a wide range of treatment modalities and referrals to outside resources as needed. Many students face normal developmental concerns as well as personal and academic pressures during their college experience and find that it is helpful to discuss these issues in a supportive, professional, and confidential environment.

Student Support Services

If you are disabled, Student Support Services can assist you in many ways by providing adaptive equipment to make attending classes easier. Contact the Office of Student Support Services to sign up for special services.

Student Health Insurance

Veterans Affairs Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment Program

The VetSuccess program helps veterans with service-connected disabilities prepare for and enter the workforce. For more information, please contact Dana Yarbrough of the Department of Veterans Affairs at (317) 625-5313.

Indiana University Northwest Army ROTC: Military Science & Mentor Program

Army ROTC is an elective course you take in college alongside your prescribed major course of study. At IU Northwest, the Military Science I course is worth one semester hour, while the Military Science II-IV courses are worth 2-3 semester hours. Purdue University Calumet students can enroll in ROTC as a guest student. The universities will normally accept up to six ROTC credits hours as electives. Please note: the ROTC is not a major in itself. The classes meet once a week for class and once a week for a two hour Leadership Lab.

ROTC is designed to develop and enhance the leadership and management skills of today's students. While in ROTC, students lead the life of normal college students but have the added bonus of training in communication, time management, and personnel organization. Upon graduating, you may earn a commission as a second lieutenant, an officer in the United States Army. For more details, please contact the IU Northwest ROTC Office.

VA Form 22-5490: For children of disabled veterans applying initially for the Dependent Education Assistance Program (Chapter 35)

VA Form 22-1995: Change in Program/Place of Training for those who have used the educational benefits at another institution

VA Form 22-5495: Change of Place of Training for those who have used Chapter 35 benefits at another institution

DD 214: If you’ve been discharged from active duty, you will need to provide your VA official with your DD 214. If you have a Notice of Basic Eligibility or College Fund/Kicker Contract from the National Guard or Reserves, be sure to submit a copy of these forms to Veterans Affairs Services as well.

If you have any questions, please contact the IU Northwest Office of Veterans Affairs Services.

The IU Northwest Office of Military and Veterans Services is committed to helping veteran students and their families as much as possible. Please do not hesitate to contact us for any of your student- or military-related needs.